Comelec warns vs ‘massive disqualification’

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) vowed to file, for the first time, “as many cases as necessary” against politicians who will break its campaign rules by Tuesday, February 12.

But what if candidates shrug off the Comelec’s warnings? What if they engage in massive defiance beginning Tuesday, the official start of the campaign period for national candidates?

He said the Comelec, however, might not have to do this after all. Noting the deterrent effect of the Comelec’s campaign rules, the veteran election lawyer said: “They will not take the risk.”

Brillantes said that nevertheless, the Comelec is now spotting possible violations of campaign rules.

In an interview with reporters, Brillantes said the Comelec will send letters to reported violators. He said the poll body “will use all means” to notify affected candidates. (Watch more in the video below.)

He also said the Comelec has had enough, after politicians made the most of a legal loophole to campaign prematurely.

“They’ve taken advantage of the law on premature campaigning. Now it’s the campaign period; it’s time to follow the law. On our part, we’ll strictly implement the law to make sure everyone follows,” he explained.

In an interview with Rappler, Jimenez said the Comelec doesn’t target a specific number of cases to be filed.

“Hindi kami naghahabol ng bilang ng kakasuhan. Ang hinahabol namin, compliance,” he explained. (We are not targeting a specific number of cases to be filed. What we’re after is compliance.) So we will file as many cases as necessary, to drive the message home that you cannot get away with violating the rules.”